Homemade Calendula Salve

Calendula (marigolds) are a valuable and affordable resource for homemade remedies. Creating calendula salve is a straightforward process.

Harvesting Calendula:

• Pick calendula blossoms when they are in full bloom.
• The best time to harvest is in the early morning on sunny days, avoiding rainy periods, to capture the flower’s full potency.
• Always harvest from areas free of pollution, such as roadsides, to avoid contaminants.

Recipe:

• 2 packets of Vaseline (petroleum jelly). Alternatively, lard can be used, though it has a strong odor.
• 2 handfuls of fresh calendula blossoms.

Preparation:

1. Gently melt the Vaseline in a pot over low heat. Add the calendula blossoms and thoroughly mix them with the melted Vaseline.
2. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit until the next day. Repeat this heating and steeping process two more times. It is important not to boil the blossoms, as this can fry them.
3. After the third infusion, strain the mixture through a sieve to separate the liquid salve from the plant material. Pour the collected salve into clean containers. Small apothecary jars with lids are suitable.

Uses and Storage:

This calendula salve is beneficial for treating minor cuts, abrasions, and skin irritations, making it particularly useful for individuals engaged in gardening or other manual work that can lead to small injuries.

• The salve has a shelf life of approximately one year when stored in the refrigerator.

Pet Care:

Calendula salve can also be used for pet paw care, especially during winter months when roads are treated with salt.

• After walks in salty conditions, dry your pet’s paws thoroughly, remove any salt residue, and apply a thin layer of calendula salve to prevent cracking and irritation of the paw pads.